Meet the Episcopal Church of Liberia
Diocesan Press Service. February 1, 1974 [74027]
The Environment of the Church:
The three major religions in Liberia are the African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity; with the majority of the population being of the traditional religion, and the smallest being Christians. The illiteracy rate of Liberia is among the highest in the world, and the living condition of the masses is among the lowest. In spite of its small numerical size, the Christian religion is the only one which seeks to improve the living conditions and quality of life of the 1.3 million people of Liberia.
About 50 percent of the actual school population is in school, and the Government is making every effort to improve this situation. While the Episcopal Church claims only 5 percent of the Christian population of Liberia it educates about 6 percent of those in school. It operates three times more schools than any private sector of the Liberian society; including 40 elementary and junior-high schools, five senior high schools, and the only private church related liberal arts college in Africa. It serves students from 14 other African countries.
The Church:
Organized in 1836 by three missionaries from the Virginia Theological Seminary, and declared a Missionary District in 1844 by the General Convention, the Liberian Church had its first bishop, John Payne, in 1851, who served in Liberia from 1836 to 1871. In 1970 the Church was permitted to elect its own bishop for the first time. He was George Browne, the first native Liberian to be elected. Prior to that time all bishops were elected and sent out into the Missionary Jurisdictions by the House of Bishops.
Because of the quality and extent of its educational programs, the high calibre of its clergy, and the positive role it has played in the nation, the Episcopal Church has been a vital force in shaping the nation from its founding in 1847.
The membership is about 12,000 in 101 congregations. Six congregations are independent, 50 are organized missions, and 45 are unorganized missions and preaching stations. As of January 1974 there are 32 clergy in the diocese, 26 of whom are native Liberians. We must rely heavily on our 40 poorly prepared catechists and evangelists to assist in conducting the services. There are eight postulants and five candidates for Holy Orders. In 1971 was organized a "Bishop's Association" for the purpose of maintaining the interests of possible candidates for the ministry. They live by a rule of life, and have annual meetings with the Bishop. There are about 30 in this association.
What You Need to Know:
. . . . THAT, in 1973 there were only 18 congregations that had resident clergy; and they used 22 out of the available 24. Hence 83 congregations neither received the sacraments regularly nor had the desired resident leadership needed to challenge them to creative action. Most of our catechists and evangelists in charge of congregations have little or no preparation. But we believe that they are committed to the Lord.
. . . . THAT, 80 of our congregations are located in rural villages and among people who are not within the money economy. It is among these people that the church must witness. The inner life of the church in these areas is my chief concern. We must create challenging programs that will provide for them a solid point of reference and a viable witnessing home. It is among these people most of our schools are located, and where our clinics and other activities are found.
. . . . THAT, 70 of our congregations are non-English Speaking, whereas only four of our Liberian clergy administer in the language of the people. That is why we seized the opportunity provided by the General Convention to permit us to train indigenous clergy to meet our local needs, and to develop a style of life of our own.
How is the Church Supported?
The six independent parishes are self-supporting. Each assumes responsibilities for a mission project. While one runs a school independently, another supports a few teachers in other schools nearby, one runs a clinic and another is involved in community projects.
Each diocesan organization raises its own budget. The other congregations raise between 40 and 75 percent of their own local budget. Together they all contributed 5 percent of the diocesan budget for 1973. From friends at home and abroad we received about 10 percent, and from the Episcopal Church in the United States the other 85 percent. In 1972 the Bishop proposed a five-year plan by which in 1978 the diocese will generate about 40 percent of its operating budget from investments. If things work well this will materialize. It will be a major achievement, for at no time in our history have we raised more than 6 percent of our operating budget.
What are the 1974 Goals ?
1. To organize and operate a training center to upgrade the level of our catechists and evangelists to make them more effective lay leaders.
2. To provide "incentive " programs in these 80 congregations to assist them help themselves and improve their own living conditions.
3. To launch a stewardship program.
4. To work with the Lutherans and Methodists in a joint theological education program whereby, if well supervised by Cuttington College, we will train men on three levels to meet all the basic needs of the Church.
5. To embark on a language translation and literacy program to enable our people to worship God in their own language.
What about the Future of our Schools ?
Only God knows what the future has in store for us. But our trust is in Him and we know he loves us. Last year we ran into a huge deficit because of the schools. Our most reasonable alternative is to close down some and reduce the size of others. We feel guilty doing this, for we know there is a great need for schools. We know also that every cent we put into education is worth a hundred-fold in outcome.
All we can say at this point is that this is a situation that tests our faith in God. It is HIS work and not ours. We are only agents through whom He works. Faith gives sub- stance to our hopes, and makes certain the realities we do not see. We are therefore operating our schools in 1974 purely on the basis of faith. Many friends both at home and abroad and the Government of Liberia have shown their concern in concrete ways that are miraculously encouraging.
January 15, 1974
(Note: The Diocese of Liberia desires this background article to be circulated throughout the Church. You may file it or use it in any way you wish.)